Wild fires destroyed parts of Paradise, Texas in January of 2008. This front page feature and full color doubletruck inside was a special feature by Messenger writer Erica Pedroza and photographer Joe Duty on one family’s attempt to rebuild their lives after having their home destroyed.

Software utilized: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop

A special front page feature and two page inside spread by Messenger writer Mandy Bourgeois and photographer Joe Duty for Father’s Day, 2007. The typeface used was inspired by one of the father’s love of his “Indiana Jones” style hat, which was coincidentally a hit movie in theaters at the time. This front page layout and inside design helped the Messenger win both first place in Page Layout design and General Excellence at Texas Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.

A special front page feature and inside spread by Messenger Special Projects Coordinator Denny Deady and photographer Joe Duty. My unusual goal here was to place special emphasis on the quotes of the subjects, rather than Joe’s excellent photography.

Messenger Editor Brian Knox really hit his stride here with an excellent feature on local community leaders in Wise County and what their first summer jobs were. Coupled with the photography of Joe Duty, this is probably one of the Messenger’s most outstanding light-hearted features in recent years.

A special two-issue story about Kim Tinkam’s battle with cancer and her unusual approach to attempt to cure it with holistic measures. By Messenger writer Mandy Bourgeois and photographer Joe Duty, this series continued over two issues at the beginning of 2008. My attempt via the design was to stress that Mrs. Tinkham doesn’t always see things as black and white (in the first issue, as reflected by Joe’s portraits) and by the second issue, where the story continued on to her healing process, the colors of life appeared (again reflected in Joe’s photographs).

Another outstanding Mother’s Day feature story by Messenger Special Projects Coordinator Denny Deady and photographer Joe Duty, the design was dictated by the subject’s love of scrapbooking (hence the edges on each of the photos).

2008 saw a lot of major changes in the staffs at the schools in Wise County. Continuing my theme of the “ripped paper” effect that is reflected in many of my other education-related graphics this year, the use of the color blue is due to the the school color (all subjects being from Decatur). Messenger photographer Joe Duty once again took all the photos.

Probably one of the most important projects I’ve taken on in my career at the Wise County Messenger. Though not a fantastic layout, this was a labor of love that still brings a tear to my eye whenever I reflect upon it. Zoe, the dog featured, was the Decatur Elementary school’s dog, a pet all the kids loved with a passion. Once we learned of her passing, I created a special web page where kids (as well as teachers and parents) at the school could pass on their fondest memories of Zoe. Those thoughts were then collected on our website, as well as selected ones on this page. We collected over 100 comments, and the page was a fitting tribute to Zoe. Photographs by Messenger photographer Joe Duty.

A special feature by Messenger Editor Brian Knox and photographed by Joe Duty about a local Marine returning to duty.

Messenger photographer Joe Duty always makes it out to Wise County Legislative Days in Austin. Here, I feel my typography perfectly compliments his eloquent shot.

A special feature on Clint Cooper, a local rodeo star who made it all the way to the National Finals Rodeo. Here, Messenger photographer Joe Duty truly got behind the scenes on his trip.

A special feature by Messenger writer Brandon Evans about unclaimed government money. Photo illustration by Joe Duty.

Another excellent feature by Messenger writer Brandon Evans about recycling. We decided on this layout to downplay photographer Joe Duty’s photos and make the emphasis the “recycle” logo incorporated into the headline.

Our take on ABC’s “Wife Swap,” where in one particular episode, a housewife from Las Vegas switched places with a local woman from Sunset, Texas.

For two years, the Wise County Messenger chronicled Sports Editor Robert Morgan’s battle with weight. Here, Joe Duty photographed Robert after two years and 300+ pounds later.

Yet another Mother’s Day feature. My attempt to simulate a Hallmark card as closely as possible.

A special feature by Messenger writer Travis Measley about a woman inflicted with several diseases. Photographed by Joe Duty, the compliment of the starck photo and typography set the page off.

Our tribute to Boyd high school football coach J.G. Cartwright, who had a winning season in 2007.

Messenger photographer Joe Duty completely sums up Wise County’s track results at the State Track Meet in Austin in 2007.

Football season usually doesn’t allow for great design at the last minute after a 20-hour day on Friday’s, but Messenger photographer Joe Duty’s art oftentimes more than makes up for it.

This was probably the first time Messenger photographer Joe Duty allowed me to typeset a headline over one of his photos…

…shortly thereafter, he let me start doing it again and again with more frequency, as with this bicycling feature by Joe and Messenger writer Brandon Evans weeks later.